In reply to the release of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) response to the Independent Report on Australia’s Fatigue Rules, the Australian Air Line Pilots Association (AusALPA,) the technical body representing more than 7000 of Australia’s Professional Pilots has expressed disappointment in CASA’s ability to conduct itself as an Independent Regulator.

The fact that two men, now charged with terrorism offences, came close to blowing up an Etihad aircraft out of Sydney in July or bringing down a domestic flight has prompted a vital review of aviation security.

As the Civil Aviation Safety Authority considers changing the medical certification regime, the Australian Airline Pilots Association has said it fears more extensive testing could prove expensive and counter-productive.

Today, AusALPA, which jointly represents around 6,000 professional pilots in Australia, expressed deep concern over CASA's announcement that it will delay the introduction of CAO 48.1 for another 12 months and intends to conduct an 'independent' review of the CAO 48.1 proposal in the interim.